Mark Meadows

Slogan: Life, Liberty & Less GovernmentProfession: Small-business ownerResidence: CashiersTop three donors: House Conservatives Fund, Family Research Council Action PAC, Madison ProjectTotal raised: $223,225Top three endorsements: Family Research Council Action PAC, House Conservatives Fund, U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry (N.C. 10)

What's the first bill you'll introduce if elected? Why?
I will fight for true spending cuts and a Balanced Budget Amendment. During the Obama administration, our national debt has skyrocketed to over $15 trillion, while borrowing over 40 percent of every dollar spent. That has to change immediately. We can create jobs by cutting red tape and lowering taxes.

What local issue do you think you can have the most impact on? Why?
Creating new jobs is one of the most crucial issues facing Western North Carolina. My “20/20” plan will create tens of thousands of jobs by: closing corporate tax loopholes, reducing corporate taxes, allowing repatriation of earnings held abroad, cutting regulations across the board and reducing our dependency on foreign oil.

What do you see as Congress’ role — and yours, if elected — in channeling federal dollars to your district?
I will fight for Western North Carolinians to get their fair share of their tax dollars back, but I oppose the earmarking process that has corrupted the system and bankrupted our government. I will be a strong advocate for Western North Carolina in Congress.

What issue(s) does Buncombe County have in common with more rural areas of the district such as Graham County? How do they differ?
Apart from Buncombe County being larger in population, the issues in all of Western North Carolina are the same. We need more and better jobs, and more opportunities to provide for our families. We must get government off the backs of small business and eliminate regulatory laws that hamper growth.

Do you consider yourself more or less conservative than your runoff opponent? Why?
We’re both conservative. We agree President Obama has run roughshod over our values. I won’t rest until his policies are repealed and replaced with conservative solutions, so our economy can grow and Western North Carolinians can have jobs. I am humbled that my vision has earned support across the district.

Why would you be the strongest candidate to run against Democrat Hayden Rogers in November?
I’m a Christian, conservative small-businessman, and I’m running to stop Barack Obama’s assault on WNC values. My top priority is turning around our economy and creating jobs — immediately. I started my business from scratch and know what it takes to balance a budget, maintain a payroll and create jobs.